EDC2010fback

EDC 2010 Concurrent Session Feedback (Holmes et. al.) Based on 25 slips returned =The best part of the session … because…=
 * the use of metaphor… it forces us to articulate our contexts
 * the discussion of national metaphors…it provided important insights regarding the notion of neutrality
 * discussion
 * wonderful opportunity to think of our centers in a different way – yahoo.
 * wonderful fodder for further reflection and a lot of interesting ideas were generated around ED //identities//
 * playing with metaphors & hearing about the diversity of teaching centres through the metaphors… I learned about some of the pressures other institutions are facing
 * a very interesting conversation & consideration of issues… I have not used this metaphor to think of my work in the various places I have been employed.
 * creative way to engage us in reflection; hearing different perspectives; flexibility in response to adapting original plan… I learn from them
 * the practice of metaphors to elicit perspective
 * hearing from everyone…I believe the conversations are invaluable
 * the use of metaphors towards neutrality… I agree that remaining neutral is very hard when you are surrounded by opposing views
 * the discussion…it’s thought-provoking
 * discussions based on metaphors… different way of thinking about our collective and individual identities
 * the concept of teaching centres as nations… I had never thought of it before and I think it was a useful tool to clarify our own centres’ positions
 * reflecting within and between groups; broadening the tools we have to conceptualize who we are, what we do, & how we operate
 * hearing the various metaphors … interesting to hear how people perceive of T&L centres etc.
 * using the metaphor as a framework for thinking about my centre’s role within the larger university context … think about the larger university context and situate that within a different framework think about roles various people play and how it influences way the centre I work in operates.
 * sharing metaphors and having an opportunity to think about the Canadian ED identity
 * sharing ideas with other participants exploring the use of metaphor even when it doesn’t seem on the face of it to ‘fit’
 * the discussion around metaphors
 * Trevor… I miss him
 * This quote: “quality assurance can be an oppressor”… we sometimes do that at U of Plymouth

=One way it could have been better… because…=
 * have a bit more time to discuss specific applications to ED practice
 * tentative introduction – you were trying so hard not to offend which made our work difficult to get into. There is an exercise that I have used with educators that has them choose the type of animal they represent that can be difficult to initiate as well.
 * ensuring diverse voices were heard (based on age, gender, socio-economic status, cultural background, etc. on all of the topics & concepts discussed… I feel like there is not a lot of diversity based on the above factors, among educational developers
 * I suppose an outcome. I can’t imagine what it would be.
 * not in your power to change, but would have liked more time (i.e. last longer)… it’s so interesting
 * have some way to link to concrete life of EDs
 * maybe having the map labeled… then I may have been able to see another, better firt for a metaphor for my teaching centre
 * if the metaphors weren’t linked to geography… I lacked a diversity of knowledge (but others found interesting ways to compensate)
 * to have the position paper or some guiding questions beforehand… I think we could have explored the issues more deeply or at least come up with more personally satisfactory metaphors
 * more opportunity to document / bring together & feedback collections of conversations
 * some movement. I find it hard to sit so long.
 * more time – as ever
 * not sure


 * I would also like to say:**
 * Thank you
 * I am pondering the paradox of a national identity that includes a rejection of nationalism
 * We all come from so many backgrounds, each of our centres is so different, our practice so diverse, that the idea of an identity – tho’ fun to muse about, is perhaps impossible/ impractical/ unfathomable (don’t know the right adjective to use) – is impossible to apply.
 * as a CAD lurker – well done!
 * Thanks for the stimulating session!
 * lovely! Great conversations
 * Thank you! Always appreciate your fresh perspectives and creative ways to approach important issues.
 * Very interesting discussion
 * Pratt’s 5 perspectives – Social Reform is only one – yet all perspectives can give rise to good teaching
 * Thank you!
 * Thanks for the push to use metaphor to describe our centre – useful connections and things to highlight can come to mind
 * It would be interesting to look at hiring practices at CAN institutions – why universities in CAN hire people with UK or US ivy-league degrees?
 * Suggestions for the group -- Look at the work of (if you have not already): Michael Apple (Power of educators to create and alter the politics of the classroom); Tom Popkewitz (curriculum as a political conduit); Michel de Certeau (‘wigging’ or La Perruque – subversive, unconscious acts that provoke change)
 * I am curious about the edges of the conversation. The Ouch! of the SFU stuff. The fact that we are also Not Ed Dev Types but primarily University Ed Dev Types and there is a different pattern of work and value set in college and technical institute developers that can inform the development of university centers. – Pat
 * I hope we can continue this discussion, particularly as regards the concept of a Canadian identity – do we want to establish one? can we? on what would it be based?
 * think of ED as a “mobius strip”
 * unresolved = who is represented at EDC? who is not? why is it this way?
 * interesting to see the various perspectives and how people think about metaphor and the contexts that they work in as a way to think about ED
 * thanks very much, Trevor!
 * Thank you! I enjoyed this.
 * We didn’t really get to “problem solver” more than just peacekeeper. We go in and solve and have people come to us for help. Goal is to fix. Is this Canadian?
 * Question: What country would the EDC be?
 * I wonder what the Swiss have given up to maintain their perception of neutrality (in terms of their own integrity). To what extent is their neutrality a defensive stance (being surrounded).
 * hmm. made me think.